Phoenix's Hernandez in Costa Rica World Cup squad

Wellington Phoenix star Carlos Hernandez has made Costa Rica's provisional 26-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil but teammate Kenny Cunningham has missed out.

The squad includes 11 Europe-based players, led by Fulham midfielder Bryan Ruiz who is currently on loan to PSV Eindhoven, and five US-Based MLS players. Four reserves have also been named. Only 23 will make the final cut.

Coach Jorge Luis Pinto’s men face a monumental challenge to survive Group D where they face England, Italy and Uruguay.

The Central Americans have scheduled two friendlies in the US in the build-up to next month’s tournament kick-off with a match against Japan on June 2 and Ireland on June 7.